Vision 2015


Firelands Local School District for the Future...	Adopted, August 2010

Mission Statement

The mission of the Firelands Local Schools is to create a community of lifelong learners that will function as responsible, self-sufficient citizens of a global society.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to provide our students with an educational system that:

Creates learning practices, personal relationships, and physical environments that will support the teaching and learning of 21st century skill outcomes.

Supports professional learning communities that enable educators to collaborate, share best practices and integrate 21st century skills into classroom practices.

Supports expanded community involvement in learning.

Cultivates knowledge, self-discipline, leadership, and character in all students.

Beliefs

All students can learn and will be prepared for lifelong learning.

The higher the expectation, the greater the achievement.

Excellence is achievable and always worth the investment.

A high quality environment is conducive to learning.

A positive collaboration between school and community will create a unified partnership.

A highly qualified and effective staff is intrinsic to the success of the educational community.

Priorities And Initiatives

Priority

Student Achievement

We will design a systemic approach to implement curriculum, instruction and assessment. The district will be rated EXCELLENT by ODE in Aug. 2010.

Initiatives

Continue Implementation of a K-12 standards-based, collaborative instruction model

*Common assessments (i.e. Acuity) will continue to be implemented in Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies.

*Grade level and department data teams will continue to regularly meet to discuss assessment results.

*Differentiated instruction and targeted intervention will be developed based on student needs to assure student mastery on all key learning concepts.

*Time for staff collaboration will be allotted.

Focus Professional Development on Improving Instruction

*Staff will be trained in researched-based methods of effective instruction. The Marzano Model (“Art and Science” of Teaching) will guide improvement strategies.

*The administrative staff will improve observation/evaluation process (Marzano principles will be employed).

Expand High School Course Offerings

* In conjunction with the JVS, “Project Lead the Way” will be implemented at FHS.

*Additional dual credit courses will be developed and implemented. Current dual credit course will be evaluated.

Implement an Effective District-wide Response to Intervention Plan.

* Develop a district-wide committee consisting of members from each building’s Intervention Assistance Team to guide overall process.

*Adopt universal screening tools, grade/subject level resource collections for interventions, and progress monitoring tool.

* Provide professional development for teachers (processes, intervention, data collection, etc.) and evaluate effectiveness of teams.

Develop a Positive Behavior Support Approach to Behavior Intervention

*Special Education Staff will be trained in completing Functional Behavior Assessments, behavior supports and writing a Behavior Intervention Plan .

* Assist regular ed. teachers with assessments and plans as needed.

* Evaluate through IEP reviews and amendments

Priority

Finance

We will continue to be fiscally responsible, pursuing funding sources as necessary to fulfill the district’s mission, goals and objectives.

Initiatives

Secure the District’s Financial Future

*A levy will be passed to generate additional revenue for the general fund to address forecasted deficits (FY 2012 and beyond).

*A community committee to communicate information concerning the levy will be developed.

Explore Avenues to Reduce Costs With the Least Negative Impact on the Educational Program

*Reductions in staff and other cost saving measures will be considered as feasible. As enrollment numbers decrease, staffing levels will be adjusted accordingly.

Implement An On-line Payment System.

* “Pay For It” will be implemented allowing parents to pay for school and cafeteria fees on-line (e-check, credit/debit card). The use of the system will be explored for Booster groups, etc.

Priority

Technology

We will develop and implement a dynamic plan to integrate and support technology in all curricular areas and in all facets of information technology.

Initiatives

Implement the District’s Technology Plan (year 2)

*The three year technology plan that was developed in 2009 will continue to be implemented focusing on the expansion of interactive tools for use in the classroom.

- Audit staff ability

- Expand thin clients

- Develop PTLW lab at HS

- Evaluate year 3 based on available funds

Expand Professional Development Programs to Support Staff in the Use of Existing and Emerging Technologies

*Through the use of classes offered by internal staff technology leaders and low-cost online technology course offerings, professional development opportunities will be available for staff to expand their technology competencies.

- Expand AU ‘for credit’ classes (on-site)

- Expand Digital Academy, developing 4 new classes (PDU credit offered)

- Offer access to Lynda.com training videos

Use Technology to Better Communicate with Our Community and Each Other

* Increase ProgressBook ParentAccess. Standardize information presented.

* Expand shared Exchange folders used for district forms.

* Expand use of Google Calendars.

* Expand use of “School Connects” for communication with parents. Add text messaging when available.

* Expand website to include more information, redesign elements where needed.

* Explore a new phone and instant messaging system for district.

Priority

Facilities

We will provide a safe, caring and supportive school environment that fosters social, emotional, intellectual and physical well-being.

Initiatives

Address Current Facility Needs

*Infrastructure needs (lighting, boilers, etc.), especially at FES and FHS, will be upgraded utilizing HB 264 funds. Window replacement and univent upgrades will also be addressed.

*The “Legacy Project”, a privately funded project to construct a new weightroom/fieldhouse, will continue to raise funds and finalize plans.

Develop a 5 Year Facility/Maintenance Plan

*A five year plan will be collaboratively developed, establishing a vision and work calendar to address future facility maintenance needs and enhancements, such as:

- Athletic facilities (soccer field bleachers, HS gym floor, ball fields, etc.)

- Painting, refurbishment of buildings

- Locker replacement/repair

- Landscaping, parking lots, roofs

Explore The Use of Alternative Energy Sources

The Board will explore alternative energy sources (i.e. wind turbines) as a way to save money and implement green technology.